Imeri Gramvousa lies just off the northwestern tip of Crete, in the Chania region, near Balos Lagoon. This uninhabited island combines rugged cliffs with clear blue water, while the beach beneath its steep slopes offers an inviting place to rest and admire the coastline.
At the island’s summit stands a sixteenth-century Venetian fortress, approximately 137 metres above the sea. Its walls recall Gramvousa’s defensive role and its later use by pirates and rebels. From the top, wide views take in Balos, the Gramvousa Peninsula and the neighbouring island of Agria Gramvousa.
A weathered shipwreck near the southern shore adds to the bay’s distinctive appearance. Boat excursions from Kissamos often pair a visit to Gramvousa with a stop at Balos. Exploring the fortress before spending time beside the water makes for a day rich in scenery and history.
